Grounded: the events edition

Your ticket to eco friendly events - train travel news, sustainable destinations, venues, local experiences and plenty of inspiration for low-impact gatherings.

Hello you,

Welcome to the latest edition of Grounded! This week, we’re diving into the things that are shaping the future of sustainable events, from slow travel to cutting-edge green venues. Whether you’re a die-hard train enthusiast or just looking for new ways to make your events more eco-friendly, there’s something in here for you.

Keep reading for:

?? A luxurious journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

?? A look at sustainable venues that make an impact

?? A fascinating read on the rise of eco-conscious travel for the next generation

Now, let’s get to it…

"Life is the train," wrote Paulo Coelho in Aleph, "not the station."

Let’s start with the Belmond Royal Scotsman. This iconic train, which has epitomised luxury on rails since 1985, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer with The Grand Tour of Scotland. Picture this: seven nights winding through the Highlands, skimming past dramatic landscapes, sipping wine from the comfort of your seat, and enjoying world-class food while you feel the romance of slow travel wash over you. It’s like stepping into another world.

If you're ready to step aboard (and your budget allows): Book here.

Fall asleep under the glow of London’s city lights. Wake up to the vast, open skies of Scotland.

At Evolve, you probably know by now, we’re all in for train travel, and after testing various routes, we can confidently recommend it for groups too. No airport queues, no early starts - just board, unwind and arrive refreshed. It’s the ultimate blend of convenience, comfort and sustainability, making business travel both productive and enjoyable, with nearly seven times lower carbon emissions than flying.

Before a recent trip to Scotland, I worked a full day, had dinner with my family, then stepped onto the Caledonian Sleeper , my moving hotel with a private en-suite cabin (complete with a Royal Warrant-approved mattress, seriously, comfort levels: high) and a Club Car stocked with the best of Scotland’s food & drink. There’s something magical about waking up in Scotland, enjoying a proper breakfast while gazing out at mountains and lochs. And if you’re traveling as a group? Why not go all out and take over the whole station at Gleneagles and brand it as your own? Imagine the impact of that first impression. You’ve booked an iconic hotel for your event, and now, that’s a welcome. Wake up in Scotland - it's a memory that will stick.

Here’s a big thank you to Wendy Russell at Caledonian Sleeper and Theresa Steven at VisitScotland for letting me experience Scotland in the slow lane - and proving why this place is one of the top MICE destinations.

Want to see the journey in action? Watch the full experience here

"The Entire Coastline Will Be Cemented Over"

Now, while we’re on the topic of ideas for travel, I’ve been reading about the controversial plans for Royal Caribbean’s new port expansion in Fiumicino, just 20 miles from Rome, Italy. It’s a hot topic, and while local authorities say it will boost tourism, the grassroots groups are worried about the environmental cost. They’re worried that more ships, more tourists and more traffic are just not what the area needs.

Tourism has the potential to be a force for good, but only when it genuinely benefits local communities. Cruise passengers often disembark for a few hours, visit a handful of famous landmarks, then return to their ship. In contrast, independent travellers stay longer, spend more and seek out the hidden corners of a destination, enriching the local economy beyond the well-trodden tourist spots.

If Royal Caribbean truly wants to make an impact, perhaps it’s time to rethink the blueprint -one that doesn’t just bring in more visitors, but actually invests in the local community. Now that would be an opportunity worth exploring.

Read more on the debate here.

Stadium for Bath: A Sustainable Future for Experience-Led Placemaking

Switching gears, if you’ve been to Bath recently, you’ve probably heard the plans for the new rugby stadium to be built - now that’s a good example of city regeneration done right. The design blends the city’s rich history with modern sustainability by integrating sports, leisure, and cultural heritage into the community. A hybrid pitch will also boost community and amateur sports, embedding the venue further into Bath’s daily life.

Bath has always been a leisure destination, from Roman spas to Georgian social hubs. The Stadium for Bath embraces this legacy with designs that compliment the city’s heritage and this project demonstrates how experience-driven events can foster sustainable growth while benefiting local communities.

Want to know more? See what’s in store for Bath.

Curious about placemaking in events? Chat to The Intrepid Collective

How Venues Can Go from Being a Backdrop to a Force for Good

And speaking of community-minded venues, I can’t help but think back to a great panel discussion we were involved in at International Confex last week which shone a light on how community-based venues are shaping the future of events. They’re not just backdrops; they’re hubs for connection, catalysts for change and champions of social impact.

For example, at Sands End Arts & Community Centre , this is built into the very fabric of the venue. Every event held there helps fund local social, cultural, and artistic programmes, ensuring that events don’t just happen; they leave a lasting legacy. More and more, we’re seeing clients who want their events to do more than just entertain - they want them to create real change. And it’s not just about cutting waste or carbon emissions anymore; it’s about making sure that events actively give back. For venues, the question isn’t just “how sustainable are you?” but “how much good can you do?”

Venues that prioritise social impact attract purpose-driven clients who are looking for spaces that align with their values. And that’s where the industry is shifting.

How is Sands End venue leading the charge? Read more here.

Brussels to Berlin by Night Train - A Setback & A Solution

Not so good news this week as the Brussels-Berlin Nightjet is canceled indefinitely from 27 March, due to trackwork issues en route. However, the journey is still possible as the European Sleeper is still running, thanks to their route via Amsterdam.

Book, board and wake up in Berlin!

Need to get to Berlin? Book your seat here

Want a sneak peek of the journey? Watch my experience on this route.

Gen Z Demands Slower, Greener Business Travel

Finally, a little Gen Z update for you. The newest study shows that more and more Gen Z professionals are opting for slower, greener business travel. Apparently, 60% would happily choose an eco-friendly option to reduce their carbon footprint. This is exactly the direction we need to head, especially in the events industry where there’s a huge opportunity to champion sustainable travel practices and align with the values of the next generation of professionals.

Want the full report? Check it out here.

Final Thoughts

From luxurious train journeys to community-driven venues, the way we travel, meet and plan events is changing. Whether it’s swapping short-haul flights for sleeper trains or rethinking how events support local communities, the shift toward sustainable experiences is well underway.

What’s inspiring you this week? Hit reply - we'd love to hear your thoughts.